About this UNit

Students utilise the Creative Process, which involves a cycle of research, analysis, exploration and experimentation with 2D media, idea generation, reflection, development, and realisation. They engage with this process as they work towards their creative goal of producing an abstract painting inspired by the principles of Russian Constructivism. Through this unit, students explore how the shift from naturalistic representation to abstraction reflects broader societal and democratic developments. Students also acquire the skills needed to complete the following tasks:

Foundations: Observation and Perception

• Analyse the visual language of Russian Constructivism, including geometric forms, dynamic compositions, and the integration of abstraction with function.
• Understand how artistic choices are influenced by historical, social, and political contexts.
• Use art-specific vocabulary to describe form, structure, and compositional techniques in Constructivist artworks.

Creative Expression

• Create abstract compositions using geometric shapes, lines, and colour to communicate ideas about change, movement, and collective identity.
• Apply painting techniques and compositional strategies that reflect Constructivist principles of order, rhythm, and abstraction.
• Experiment with both individual and collaborative artworks to explore the relationship between art, industry, and society.

Historical and Cultural Relevance

• Investigate how Russian Constructivism emerged in response to the industrial revolution, urbanisation, and democratic ideals of the early 20th century.
• Explain how art reflects and shapes social and political change.
• Draw connections between the evolution of artistic styles and historical events.

Critical Evaluation & Response

• Reflect on how effectively their artwork communicates conceptual intentions related to identity, society, or democratic values.
• Critically analyse artworks using appropriate art terminology and contextual understanding.
• Document their creative journey in a process journal, showing how inquiry and experimentation inform the final outcome.